Just as they were teetering on the edge of the NRL playoff eight, the NZ Warriors have produced a comprehensive display that truly consolidates their finals aspirations.
After consecutive defeats for the first time this season, the Auckland-based outfit arrived in Brisbane needing to steady the ship and did just that with a 26-6 romp over the homeside Broncos, outplaying them for the entire 80 minutes.
The result lifts the Warriors from the eighth and final playoff position, leaping over the Broncos and - temporarily, at least - the Roosters, due to play later Sunday night.
Brisbane's State-of-Origin winger Corey Oates probably should have had his team ahead in the opening moments, but he spilled the ball has he dived for the corner.
Instead, powerhouse Warriors centre Solomone Kate opened the scoring in the sixth minute, bullocking his way over from short range near the left touch-line.
Veteran lock Adam Blair also seemed to have scored in the 21st minute, but he too lost possession as he attempted to force the ball.
A few minutes later, Warriors half Shaun Johnson caused hesitation in the Brisbane defence, allowing centre Gerard Beale enough space to cross for a try.
Both teams were reduced to 12 men shortly before the break, after Warriors forward Tevita Sate caught Andrew McCollough with a forearm and the Brisbane hooker began raining punches on his rival.
Moments later, Issac Luke provided the defining moment of the game, running and spinning out of tackles to score as half-time beckoned.
Trailling 16-0 at the break, the Broncos seemed to have scored, when Korbin Sims put Darius Boyd through a gap untouched, but a video referral found just enough obstruction to rule the try out.
Instead, the Warriors were next to score after the restart, with Kata securing his double at the end of an expansive set that left the Broncos with no answer.
Prop Agnatius Passi clinched victory for the Warriors in the 54th, running a delightful angle off Blake Green to schore from close range.
McCullough was held up over the try-line with 11 minutes remaining, but finally broke the Broncos drought with five left. Too little, too late.
The outcome gives the Warriors their 11th win of the season, still only four points behind table-topping South Sydney and six points clear of Canberra Raiders, the team chasing hardest outside the top eight.
They host Melbourne Storm - currently two points ahead on the table - next Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium.
Newshub.
